Weak bases crossed aldol condensations using

A Crossed Aldol Condensations Using Weak Bases... 

We shall therefore consider crossed aldol condensations by two general approaches that allow control over the distribution of products. The first approach hinges on structural factors of the carbonyl reactants and the role that favorable or unfavorable aldol addition equilibria play in determining the product distribution. In this approach relatively weak bases such as hydroxide or an alkoxide are used in a protic solvent such as water or an alcohol. The second approach, called a directed aldol reaction, involves use of a strong base such as LDA in an aptotic solvent. With a strong base, one reactant can be converted essentially completely to its enolate, which can then be allowed to react with the other carbonyl reactant. 

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